The Broadway Theatre, Barking

The Broadway Theatre sits in the heart of Barking, a proper working theatre that's been serving the community for decades. It's not the West End - that's the point. You get decent productions here, from pantomimes that pack out with local families to touring plays and concerts that would otherwise mean a trek into central London.

The venue itself is functional rather than fancy, but that's rather refreshing. The sightlines are good, the staff know what they're doing, and there's no pretension about it. Barking's audience is loyal and engaged, which creates a genuine atmosphere - you're watching theatre with people who actually live here, not tourists ticking a box.

If you're staying at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping nearby, the Broadway makes a sensible evening out without the faff of getting into town. The programme mixes crowd-pleasers with more experimental stuff, so check what's on before you commit. Pantomime season (November through January) is when the theatre really comes alive - families queue round the block.

Allow two to three hours total, including a drink beforehand if there's somewhere nearby you fancy. It's free to look around during the day if you're curious, though you'll need to catch a show to experience it properly. Ticket prices are reasonable compared to central London venues, which is precisely why people in East London keep coming back.